The first anniversary of the death of Vageeshwari Nathan, the mother of Tamil political prisoner Parthiban Vigneshwaranathan, was commemorated on 6th July at her house in Tirunelveli.
Nathan, who passed away at the age of 77 last year, had been protesting for the release of her son for the past 28 years. The commemoration ceremony was attended by her surviving relatives, as well as members of the Voice for the Voiceless organisation.
The organisation's leader said that "in order for Vageeshwari Amma's soul to rest in peace, not only her son Parthiban Vigneshwaranathan but all Tamil political prisoners must be released. Vageeshwari Amma was deeply conscious about social issues that affected the lives of people that lived in the Tamil homeland".
The commemoration ceremony was a time for family and friends to remember Nathan and her work. It was also a time to call for the release of all Tamil political prisoners.